AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power

= AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) =

The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, commonly known as ACT UP, is an international, grassroots political group working to end the AIDS pandemic. Founded in 1987 in New York City, ACT UP is known for its direct action, advocacy, and public demonstrations aimed at improving the lives of people with AIDS and influencing public policy.

History

ACT UP was founded on March 12, 1987, at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center in New York City. The organization was formed in response to the United States government's inadequate response to the AIDS crisis, which was devastating the gay community and other marginalized groups. The founding meeting was organized by Larry Kramer, a playwright and activist, who called for a more militant approach to fighting the epidemic.

Mission and Goals

ACT UP's mission is to bring about legislation, medical research, treatment, and policies to ultimately bring an end to the disease by mitigating loss of health and lives. The group uses non-violent direct action to draw attention to the AIDS crisis and to push for changes in public policy and medical research.

Key Actions and Campaigns

Wall Street Protest

One of ACT UP's first major actions was a protest on Wall Street on March 24, 1987. The demonstration aimed to highlight the high cost of AZT, the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, and to demand more funding for AIDS research. The protest was successful in drawing media attention to the issue and establishing ACT UP as a powerful voice in the fight against AIDS.

FDA Action

On October 11, 1988, ACT UP organized a massive protest at the headquarters of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Rockville, Maryland. The protest, known as "Seize Control of the FDA," demanded faster approval of drugs for people with AIDS. The action was one of the largest demonstrations in ACT UP's history and led to significant changes in the FDA's drug approval process.

Stop the Church

In December 1989, ACT UP staged a controversial protest at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. The "Stop the Church" action was aimed at the Catholic Church's opposition to condom use and its stance on homosexuality, which ACT UP argued contributed to the spread of AIDS. The protest drew widespread media attention and sparked debate about the role of religion in public health policy.

Impact

ACT UP's activism has had a profound impact on the fight against AIDS. The group's efforts have led to increased funding for AIDS research, changes in drug approval processes, and greater public awareness of the epidemic. ACT UP's work has also helped to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and advocate for the rights of people living with the disease.

Legacy

ACT UP's legacy is one of empowerment and change. The group's model of direct action and grassroots organizing has inspired other movements and continues to influence activism today. ACT UP chapters remain active around the world, continuing the fight for health equity and justice for people with HIV/AIDS.

See Also

• Larry Kramer
• HIV/AIDS activism
• Direct action
• LGBT rights

References

• Crimp, Douglas. AIDS Demographics. Bay Press, 1990.
• France, David. How to Survive a Plague: The Inside Story of How Citizens and Science Tamed AIDS. Knopf, 2016.
• Gould, Deborah B. Moving Politics: Emotion and ACT UP's Fight Against AIDS. University of Chicago Press, 2009.

External Links

• ACT UP New York
• AIDS United